Growing up in Lowestoft, Suffolk, Jordan Halliday was no stranger to the offshore energy industry with both his father and brother working for oil and gas companies in the North Sea.
“The offshore energy industry was something I was very aware of when I was younger,” he explained.
“My brother and dad always told me it was a good career option as there is lots of room to develop personally and professionally.”
With a booming offshore wind industry off the coast of East Anglia, Jordan was inspired to take a slightly different career path into the offshore renewable energy sector.
During his time as a student, at Sir John Leman High School in Beccles, Jordan took a keen interest in subjects such as science, maths and design technology: resistant materials which further inspired him to pursue his career choice. Following his GCSE studies Jordan continued his education at Lowestoft College, studying the EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering (Electrical route), before beginning the Siemens Mechatronics Advanced Apprenticeship Course in September 2017.
He said: “I am more of a practical learner, so after hearing of the Siemens Apprenticeship I was very keen to undertake the course and develop myself further.
“The energy sector is important as it influences our everyday lives and through working in the renewable energy field I will be assisting with keeping the lights on in an environmentally friendly way.”
Jordan attends the four year Siemens Mechatronics Advanced Apprenticeship Course facilitated in Newcastle at the Tyne Metropolitan College. The apprenticeship serves as an introduction into the world of engineering, covering topics including hydraulics and health and safety in the workplace, with graduating students receiving an NVQ Level 3 qualification.
“Since starting my apprenticeship I have gained so much knowledge and it should be a great gateway into an engineering career in the offshore energy industry. We learn both in the classroom and through real life work scenarios, as a result I am gradually feeling more prepared for what working life will be like,” added Jordan.
“As part of the course we will complete 82 assignments covering a range of topics. As I have an analytical mind, a particular highlight for me was learning how to create a computer programme and trouble shoot issues which could occur on a windfarm.”
During the second year of his apprenticeship Jordan will gain workplace experience by returning home to Lowestoft and working on the East Anglia ONE windfarm, being developed by world leading wind energy producer ScottishPower Renewables, off the East Anglian coast.
East Anglia ONE will see 102 Siemens Gamesa D7 wind turbines installed in the southern North Sea, approximately 30 miles off the coast, as part of an overall £2.5 billion investment to meet the annual electricity demands of the equivalent of almost 600,000* homes.
With construction work having commenced for East Anglia ONE’s operations and maintenance base at Hamilton Dock in Jordan’s hometown of Lowestoft, the evolution of the offshore wind industry in East Anglia is in full swing.
Jordan said: “The development of East Anglia ONE brings so many exciting opportunities in an industry which is at the forefront of innovation and in the future I hope to work on the windfarm carrying out system diagnostics. It really has the potential to be a career for life which, as a young person, is a unique opportunity and one I want to take full advantage of, especially as it is being constructed close to where I live.
“I cannot wait to start my work placement on East Anglia ONE as it will give me vital industry experience, preparing me for a career in the energy engineering sector.”